Menu
I have been talking about retirement for several years. Most people that know me never took me seriously, as they knew I loved my job and the people I worked with. However, time catches up with us all and finally I know that it is time to climb onto my donkey and ride into the sunset. I do not intend to disappear as I like the company of my colleagues and friends too much. I do intend to take a different path which will evolve over the next few months.
My journey has been very diverse, interesting, challenging and enjoyable. There are many people who have assisted me with my journey and I do feel sad that I have not been able to keep in communication with then all. My retirement notes are intended to thank all those that have crossed my path.
Like many of you my late teenage years were confusing, I did not know who I was, what I was good at and want I wanted to do with my life. My parents always encouraged me to try new things, follow a path, if one path does not work for you then take another. This advice took me from Wales to Slough in England, to an interview with Elwyn Dyer of Ronald Trist Controls Ltd. I was there because I had expressed an interest in their company products. Elwyn saw something in me and he became my fist mentor and enrolled me in a training program for controls associated with the HVAC industry. I had no idea at that time what a fabulous opportunity that was. The building services industry is the largest employer in the world.
During my training program I met my second mentor, Ron Farndon, a gentleman who was at that time in his late 50’s. Ron identified that I had sales potential and I spent two years training under his wing. I spent 5 years working in the UK designing and selling controls to the building services industry and gained tremendous experience and made many friends.
I lived in Slough during this period and joined the Windsor Rugby Club. This was the period of my early twenties. The rugby club provided many friends, wonderful experiences, and a great place for me to experience life.
I met Christine through the friends of Windsor Rugby Club and we spent two years with our friends enjoying life in the greater London area. We were married in 1970 and emigrated to Toronto, Canada.
During the first 20 years in Canada I experimented with several companies all related to the building services business. I spent 8 years with Honeywell in both their existing building and new construction divisions. I spent 5 years with MCC Powers, now Siemens, again working with their existing building and new construction divisions. These were exiting times for me as I was part of the building controls revolution, when controls were transformed from pneumatic actuation to the digital age. I thoroughly enjoyed this period and the challenges of educating the engineers and building owners. I made many friends of which I have many fond memories. I am sorry that I have not been able to keep in touch with them. During this period Christine and I were responsible for two daughters so keeping up with people was difficult.
During the late eighties I decided that I wanted to leave the corporate life and so in 1989 I joined Smith and Andersen Consulting Engineers. I had spent several years working with them selling control systems from MCC Powers so I decided to join them as a control consultant. What a great group of people they were. I was welcomed into their team and had a great time with them working on several very interesting projects. Arthur Jones, who was a partner in the firm was my mentor and he introduced me to the world of design engineering. Arthur became the third mentor in my business career. It was during my early time with S&A that I realized that there was a requirement for building systems commissioning. I began to offer these services to the S&A clients. With the support of the partners and employees of S&A I was able to develop a commissioning division within S&A. By 1992 it became evident that building owners wanted the commissioning agent to be independent from the engineers, so CFMS was incorporated.
During the first year I was able to provide the commissioning services alone. I quickly realized I needed help. Fortunately Ed Trueman, an engineer employed by S&A had gained some commissioning experience and was able to assist me and became my first full time employee. Not long after that Wendy Collins joined us and for a few years this became the core of CFMS. Together we developed the commissioning process and the CFMS brand. I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to both Ed and Wendy, they had faith in me and recognized the potential of the commissioning business. They have provided the rock from which CFMS grew and gave me the confidence to market and sell the commissioning services. They have stayed with me and it has provided me with a lot of satisfaction that Ed and Wendy are now the shareholders of CFMS. Thank you both for your support over the years.
During the late 1990’s Chris Aaltonen joined CFMS. Chris was the Facilities Manager for St Michael Hospital and brought a tremendous amount of experience to CFMS. His facilities management experience added to our understanding of building systems and strengthened our commissioning process. His project a management and overall management experiences also added to our strengths as a company. Chris was promoted to the general manager’s position and currently holds that position and is doing a great job. Thank you Chris, for your support over the years.
During the late 1990’s Craig Hatch joined CFMS. He was trained as a structural technician and had experience with design and site inspections. He had valuable computer experience which we needed at CFMS. Craig spent a couple of years training with Wendy and when Wendy took maternal leave Craig took over the York Regional School Board account. Craig successfully managed the YRSB account for several years.
Office support was always a challenge. Most of it fell onto Wendy’s shoulders. During the late 1990’s we began using the services of Kristine Quan to help us. I was impressed sufficiently to offer Kristine a full time job when she became available. Kristine has proved to be a dedicated worker and has now progressed to become the office manager and provides tremendous support to the sales and marketing for CFMS. Thank you Kristine for your support over the years.
As we turned the millennium CFMS was well positioned to expand with the construction growth that was occurring in Ontario. Al Haye joined us and formed CFMS West Consulting Inc. which provided commissioning services in western Ontario. Al brought Sue Wunderlich into the company to provide sales and management support. That company is still successfully operating with Al Haye as the sole shareholder of that company. Thank you Al and Sue for your support over the years.
I registered a company in Alberta, partnering with two consulting firms in Calgary. The company was not able to establish a business there until Craig Hatch took over and re-structured the company. CFMS Alberta Ltd is now a successful business with many clients which include the Calgary Airport Authority. Thank you Craig and his wife Mary for your support over the years
I registered a company in Halifax, partnering with Morris Gelevan and Wade Tucker. The company has had slow growth which is a reflection of the market in Atlantic Canada. However, the company is now well established and is gaining strength and is ready to expand. Thank you Morris and Wade for your support over the years.
During the 2000 to 2010 decade CFMS had the usual ups and downs of business. Our major project was the Toronto Airport expansion but we also were able to obtain several Hospital projects. We were able to maintain our school board accounts and expand into many other sector of the industry. Commissioning was now accepted by the industry so many new competitors entered the market. We have successfully maintained our market share and our commitment to provide quality control. LEED has been a blessing and a curse for our business. However, we have been able to live up to the challenge and I applaud all of the CFMS employees for your great efforts.
Several people have joined us during this decade. Vanessa, Amy, Aysha, Tom, Anand, Juri, Maha, AJ and Daryoush. You have all brought your individual skills to the company and have made the company stronger. I have learned from you too and I hope you will have an enjoyable and satisfying career and many years with CFMS. Thank you all.
There never was a last official day because I was reluctant to let go. However, we did have a farewell gathering at the office and a day of golf. It was a great way for me to let the last string go and to spend it with the people I have so much respect for and friendship for. Thank you all for that day, it was wonderful and I shall remember it always.
There were still many things I wanted to achieve while I was working. There are so many opportunities available for those with the energy to explore. I must now put my energy into my family but I will keep in touch and will always be interested in you all. I will still find time to help out should I be able.
As you all know I have passed the torch to Ed and Wendy as Shareholders who will continue to maintain a successful business and an enjoyable environment for the employees. They are supported by Chris and Kristine as management, and of course all of the employees of CFMS. I believe CFMS has a great future and will maintain the commitment to providing quality control for our clients. Most of all I want you to believe in yourselves and enjoy your working careers. Look for the best in everyone, try to ignore the irritations - without relationships with other people, what is life worth?
I wish you all the very best.
Your friend
Mel James
